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Jones, Markakis need push from fans

Jones, Markakis need push from fans

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By Spencer Fordin
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MLB.com |

Balloting has already ended at Camden Yards, but now the fight for All-Star representation has been taken online. There are fewer than two weeks left for fans to vote for their favorite players, and the Orioles still have two stars -- outfielders Adam Jones and Nick Markakis -- who remain among the contenders at their position.

Shortstop Cesar Izturis and second baseman Brian Roberts are no longer near the top at their respective positions, but Jones and Markakis have stayed steady through the whole process. Jones currently ranks 10th among American League outfielders, while Markakis ranks 12th.

Neither Jones nor Markakis has been an All-Star before. Roberts, a two-time All-Star, has continued to pace Baltimore's offense from the leadoff slot. Izturis received some surprising support before an appendectomy landed him on the disabled list.

The Orioles have had just one All-Star in seven of the past eight seasons, but they had four players at the Midsummer Classic in 2005. Fans can cast their votes for starters up to 25 times with the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Online Ballot at MLB.com and all 30 club sites until July 2 at 11:59 p.m. ET.

Starting rosters will be announced during the 2009 All-Star Game Selection Show presented by Chevrolet on TBS on July 5. Baseball fans around the world will then be able to select the final player on each team via the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint Final Vote at MLB.com.

And the voting doesn't end there. Fans will have the opportunity to participate in the official voting for the Ted Williams Most Valuable Player Award presented by Chevrolet at the Midsummer Classic via the 2009 All-Star Game Sprint MVP Vote at MLB.com.

The All-Star Game will be televised nationally by FOX and around the world by Major League Baseball International. ESPN Radio will provide exclusive national radio play-by-play, while MLB.com will offer extensive online coverage.

Spencer Fordin is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.